EASC Study Tour 2006
Topic of the Week

Welcome to the "Topic of the Week" series! Each week we will discuss areas of interest or things that need your attention in preparing for the Study Tour to China.

Week 3: Etiquette

General

Tipping is generally not practiced in China , with the exception of tour guides and bus drivers. Many Chinese will be offended if offered a tip or are afraid they will be punished by the police if they accept one. Although the practice is changing, foreigners are often charged more to begin with, so you should not feel obligated to tip anyone. EASC will cover all tips for tour guides and bus drivers.

Table Etiquette

Do not stand your chopsticks up in the rice. Either lay them across the edge of the bowl or on the table.

Dishes are placed in the middle of the table for everyone to serve himself or herself from. People will often eat directly off those plates, bypassing the "personal" plate. If there are no extra chopsticks to use for serving the food, and you're squeamish about everyone dipping their chopsticks into the common dish, do what the Japanese do. Turn your chopsticks around and use the "non-eating" end for serving the food.

You may see people swishing their chopsticks in their tea before eating. This is to ensure that they're clean. In theory, the boiling water of the tea will clean away any bacteria. I'm not sure that quick swish makes much of a difference, but people do it anyway!

It's not impolite to make lots of noise while you eat. It's common to slurp your noodles and tea, and belching at the table shows that you approve of the meal.

At a banquet, the host is always the first person to begin eating.

Conversation

If you are asked, "have you eaten?" reply "yes." This question is the equivalent to "How are you?" in English. They really aren't asking if you're hungry!

Don't be surprised by what we perceive as blunt questions from Chinese. It's not considered rude to ask a person's income or the cost of your house, car, watch, etc. It's best to answer honestly and try not to be offended!

On the other hand, stay away from political discussions. You're not likely to sway them, and they may feel uncomfortable about discussing political matters.

Avoid talking about Taiwan and don't refer to Taiwan as The Republic of China. To the people of the PRC, Taiwan is a part of their country. (You'll see in the Shanghai Museum that Taiwan is included as a part of " China .") Also avoid talking about the PRC as "Communist China."

It's usually impolite to answer with a blunt "no." It's better to give a vague "maybe" or "I'll think about it."

Transportation

When you get in a cab, make sure the driver sets the meter. (This may not exactly qualify as "etiquette," but it's a good thing to be reminded of!)

It's OK to sit in the front seat of a cab in China .

Pushing is the norm when boarding public transportation (except in HK). (Actually, pushing is the norm in many places in China !)

Lining up is a new concept in China (but the norm in HK).

Gestures

When motioning for someone to come, you should turn your palm down and gesture with your fingers toward yourself.

Use your whole hand rather than your index finger to point.

It is acceptable for members of the same sex to hold hands in public.

The Chinese generally dislike being touched by strangers.

If you are visiting a large group of people, for example a school, it is likely you will be greeted with applause. You should applaud in response.

Smoking

Lots of Chinese do it. They do it everywhere (even though there is some attempt to limit smoking in public places).

Our group will observe a no-smoking policy for group functions, but in most restaurants, hotels, etc., it will be impossible to guarantee a no-smoking environment. Domestic airlines are now non-smoking.

Photos

You will probably see a lot of uniformed police and military personnel. Don't be surprised or shocked. It's best not to take their photo unless they are clearly in front of or at a tourist attraction where photos are expected. ( Tiananmen Square , for example.)

Use common sense when taking photos. Observe what others, particularly Chinese, are doing. If you're unsure, ask our guide, an official at the site, or the person whose photo you wish to take. Look around for the universal "no photos" sign (a camera with an X through it).

Etc.

A smile does not always mean a smile in China (or other parts of Asia ). A smile may mean “If I smile enough, maybe they'll go away,” or “if I smile maybe they think I'm happy and they'll stop” (doing whatever it is that's making them uncomfortable. Be very aware of what others around you are doing and what might be offensive to the Chinese.

It's usual to take off your shoes when you enter a private home.

Spitting is theoretically not allowed in public places in China , but you'll see it everywhere.

China is noisy, but trains and other public transportation are often very quiet, and conversation subdued. Groups of noisy, excited Americans can quickly upset the status quo.

Business cards are offered with both hands and the exchange is treated with great respect and dignity. (You don't need business cards, but you might see some of the group leaders presenting their cards.)

EASC Study Tour 2006 Topic of the Week

EASC Study Tour 2006
Topic of the Week